Assembly bombing: Fubara’s loyalists can face terrorism trial, says court.

Assembly bombing: Fubara’s loyalists can face terrorism trial, says court.

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday dismissed a preliminary objection challenging the competence of the Inspector General of Police to prosecute them on terrorism-related offences.

The defendants: Chime Eguma Ezebalike, Prince Lukman Oladele, Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald, and Ochueja Thankgod, who are loyalists of the Rivers State Governor, Simialayi Fubara, are standing trial on terrorism-related charges and alleged murder.

The IGP had instituted the charges against them following their alleged role in the bombing of the Rivers State House of Assembly in October 2023.

When the charges were read to the defendants, they all pleaded not guilty.

In a preliminary objection filed through their counsel, the defendants urged the court to stop the trial of the terrorism-related offence preferred against them as only the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice could try them on such an offence.

Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, in a ruling on their preliminary objections on Friday, held that the defendants were wrong in their claims that only the AGF could put them on trial.

Justice Olajuwon said that the law especially sections 3, 63, and 74 of the Terrorism Prevention Act were clear to the effect that while the AGF had constitutional power to strengthen the terrorism prevention law, the same sections did not confer the exclusive rights to prosecute on the AGF.

The judge said that while section 5 of the Terrorism Prevention Act conferred the responsibility of gathering intelligence and investigation on police, the same section donated rights to police to initiate criminal charges in a competent court of jurisdiction.

Specifically, Justice Olajuwon held that while the AGF under section 174 of the 1999 Constitution could lawfully take over, continue, or terminate any initiated criminal charges, such right did not make trial an exclusive right of the AGF.

“From the cursory look at all the authorities cited by lawyers for and against the IGP rights to initiate the instant criminal proceedings, one thing is clear and clearly too, that police can rightly initiate criminal charges, including terrorism charges,” the judge said.

The Judge said that the preliminary objections to the trial by the defendants were incompetent and lacking in merit.

Olajuwon subsequently dismissed their objections.

After the ruling, the counsel for the first and second defendants, Lukman Fagbemi, SAN, urged the court to grant bail to his clients.

But the counsel for the prosecution, Simon Lough (SAN) opposed the application.

Justice Olajuwon, however, fixed Monday, February 5 for ruling on their respective bail applications.

Justice Olajuwon ordered that the five defendants be returned to Kuje Prison in Abuja pending the decision of the Court to allow them on bail or not.

Suspended monarch linked to illegal mining, says Oyo.

Suspended monarch linked to illegal mining, says Oyo.

The Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, has said that the Oyo State Government will hit hard at anyone, no matter how highly placed, who contravenes the law.

Oyelade was reacting to the suspension of the Onido of Ido land, Oba Gbolagade Muritala Babalola (Gbadewolu I), by the state government on Friday.

He revealed that the government took the tough measure of sending signals to those aiding and abetting criminals within the state’s territory, saying that “they are in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Specifically, the commissioner disclosed that the Onido was suspended because of an intelligence report linking him to illegal miners in the Ido Local Government Area of the state.

“In the light of our recent experience and the government’s daily efforts to rid our land of criminals, we are sending the signal to all like-minded elements to vacate our zone or be caught and brought to justice,” the Commissioner said.

Speaking on the possibility of Onido being dethroned when the investigation was concluded, Oyelade said, “All options are on the table.”

It will be recalled that the government had, in a letter dated February 2, 2024, signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, indicated that Governor ‘Seyi Makinde approved the suspension on February 1, 2024.

Ekiti State Takes Stride Towards a Cleaner Environment: Unveils First 20 Dino Bins.

Ekiti State Takes Stride Towards a Cleaner Environment: Unveils First 20 Dino Bins.

By Olamide Akinwumi.

In a significant leap towards promoting cleanliness and effective waste management, Ekiti State Government proudly introduces the first 20 Dino Bins. This innovative initiative not only enhances waste disposal but also signifies a collaborative effort between Ekiti State and the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).

In line with Governor Oyebanji's vision for Ekiti State, a commitment to robust support for local content, including craftsmen, entrepreneurs, artisans, and contractors, has been demonstrated. A recent testament to this dedication is the fabrication of all 20 Dino Bins within the state. This noteworthy achievement serves as a clear showcase of Ekiti's commitment to promoting self-sufficiency and uplifting local artisans. The initiative aligns seamlessly with Governor Oyebanji's vision for a thriving and empowered community.

This initiative aligns seamlessly with one of the six pillars championed by Governor Oyebanji, focusing on supporting and lifting local talent. The collaboration with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) not only improves waste management practices in Ekiti but also provides an invaluable learning opportunity for the state's artisans.

This partnership signifies not only a step forward in waste management but also reflects a broader commitment to sustainable development and collaboration between states. Ekiti State, in association with LAWMA, is setting a precedent for other regions to prioritize effective waste disposal solutions while nurturing the growth and expertise of local artisans.

As the Dino Bins find their place across Ekiti, residents can look forward to a cleaner, greener environment, promoting a sense of responsibility towards waste management and the overall well-being of the community.

The importance of the Dino Bins cannot be overstated, Here are some key reasons why having dustbins is vital for maintaining good hygiene:

●Disease Prevention: Proper waste disposal helps prevent the spread of diseases by minimizing the breeding grounds for pests and rodents that can carry harmful pathogens.

●Environmental Preservation: Bins contribute to the preservation of the environment by reducing littering, promoting cleanliness, and preventing pollution of air, water, and soil.

●Aesthetic Improvement: Dustbins enhance the aesthetic appeal of public spaces, creating a more visually pleasing and welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.

●Community Health: The availability of dustbins encourages a sense of responsibility and civic duty among citizens, fostering a cleaner and healthier community.

As Ekiti citizens embrace the introduction of Dino Bins, it is essential to provide some sound advice on their proper utilization:

●Segregation of Waste: Separate your waste into recyclable and non-recyclable categories to facilitate proper recycling and disposal.

●Avoid Littering: Always use the designated bins for waste disposal, avoiding littering in public spaces. This simple act contributes significantly to maintaining cleanliness.

●Regular Emptying: Local authorities will ensure the regular emptying of the bins. However, citizens are encouraged to alert relevant agencies if a bin requires attention.

●Report Illegal Dumping: If you observe illegal dumping or improper use of the bins, report it to the appropriate authorities to uphold cleanliness standards.

Let's collectively contribute to keeping Ekiti clean and green. The introduction of Dino Bins is a positive step towards a healthier and more sustainable future for our beloved state.

Insecurity: Oyebanji Meets Service Chiefs, Seeks Strategic Intervention In Ekiti.

Insecurity: Oyebanji Meets Service Chiefs, Seeks Strategic Intervention In Ekiti. 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Thursday met with the Service Chiefs in Abuja to fashion out a more strategic approach to stem the current spate of insecurity in some parts of the State. 

The Governor’s meeting with the service chiefs came on the heels of recent security breaches in the state, specifically the killing of two traditional rulers in Oke-Ako area and abduction of some school pupils and their teachers in Emure Ekiti. 

Governor Oyebanji, who was at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja alongside the Chairman of Ekiti caucus at the National Assembly and Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, met with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and the Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja separately. He also met with other security chiefs. 

Oyebanji, at the meetings, explained that Ekiti State had been experiencing peace for the past years, but that the peace was truncated by the security breaches that occurred some days ago.

 “I need to rush here because the President spoke with me and gave certain directives that I needed to act on as soon as possible.

 “What makes the Ekiti situation a bit pathetic was the dimension it took. Among the Yoruba people, the traditional rulers are next to God. When you bring down two traditional rulers at once in such a gruesome manner, it sends a very dangerous signal to the entire race”, the Governor lamented. 

He pointed out that the abduction of school children portends a dangerous dimension, adding that such had never been experienced in the state. 

The Governor who exchanged ideas with the military top hierarchy, pushed for the deployment of more military personnel to the state to burst criminal hideouts, as well as provision of a Forward Operating Base to strengthen the security architecture of the state.

 “If we have enough men on ground, I mean the armed forces, there is a way we can police the three senatorial districts because we have an idea of where these people are and most of the time when the Army join the local vigilante groups, they make some arrests.

 “My plea to you is that if they cannot give us a Command in Ekiti State now, because I don't know the budgetary provision for that, we need a Forward Operating Base (FOB) as soon as possible. Whatever it is going to take, as a government, we will provide because announcement must be made to strengthen the security architecture of the state and give the people some respite.”

Governor Oyebanji promised the state government's support for the military to get rid of the criminals infiltrating the state.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Ekiti Caucus at the National Assembly and Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, explained that the recent situation in Ekiti demanded a military intervention and called for immediate intervention.

 “The situation in Ekiti is a further wake up call to the nation and I know that two days ago, we had to discuss this issue on the floor of the Senate following our discussion with the Excellency and some other stakeholders In some other states like Plateau, Benue, Ekiti, Oyo and other places we felt it is time for us yet again to sit down with our Service Chiefs in a close door session as elected representatives of the people, to ask questions and get some briefings and clarifications and even get educated as to where things stand."

Responding to the demands, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, assured the Governor that the Armed Forces would do all within its power to track down the perpetrators of the crimes that happened in Ekiti State. 

Just like the Civilian Task Force(JTF) in the North, the Chief of Defence Staff said the Army was ready to work with the local security network, stressing the need to leverage on technology, establishment of State-Community Policing, introduction of animal ranches, amongst others.

 “We do not have enough manpower on ground so we always have to make do with the locals. I was in the North East and we used the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and they gave us lots of support. Maybe we put them on contracts and on renewal basis and we are able to monitor them if we see anyone misbehaving we remove them, this brings out the issue of community policing, it is very critical", General Musa added. 

Governor Oyebanji also had closed door meetings with the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja at the Nigerian Army Headquarters, as well as the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun at the Force Headquarters also in Abuja, in continuation of the discussions on the strategic intervention of the security agencies in the Ekiti matter. 

The Governor said giving the assurances he got from the meetings, Ekiti State would become uninhabitable for criminals, adding that the perpetrators of crimes in the state would be fished out.

Coalition of Ekiti Youth, Students Condemns Killing of Traditional Rulers, Kidnap of School children.

Coalition of Ekiti Youth, Students Condemns Killing of Traditional Rulers, Kidnap of School children.

...Solidarises with Oyebanji, mourns departed monarchs.

Youth Organisations and Student bodies in Ekiti State have condemned the gruesome murder of two traditional rulers and abduction of school children in the state by gunmen, describing the incident as horrendous and bestial.

The Coalition of youth and students, who solidarised with Governor Biodun Oyebanji and sympathised with the victims' families, said security operatives must contrive means to nab the perpetrators of the horrendous crime and bring them to justice. 

At a think-tank meeting with the Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Gold Adesola Adedayo, in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, they expressed their sympathies with the affected communities, Council of Traditional Rulers and Ekiti state at large on the unfortunate incident, involving the slain royal fathers and the abducted school children.

The coalition condemned in totality, the gruesome murder of Olumojo of Imojo Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Olusola and Elesun of Esun Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsakin, describing the incident as painful, regrettable and disheartening.

The coalition viewed the daylight abduction of six primary school students and their teachers in Emure Ekiti as rascally and brazen display of wickedness against the victims.

Determined to curb criminalities in Ekiti, they noted that Mr. Governor recently donated two armoured vehicle personnel carriers, ten operational vehicles and other security equipment in a bid to boost the security architecture of the state.

"We are in absolute solidarity with Mr. Governor as we call on all the youths in the state to remain calm and give the appropriate authority the necessary support required to fish out the culprits. The youth leaders also urge the Youths in the state to inculcate the habit of ‘see something, say something’ in a collaborative effort with the government to ensure there is no repeat of this occurrence wrestling with the peace of our dear state.

"We also condemn the abduction of pupils of Apostolic Faith Nursery and Primary School, Emure Ekiti. In the same vein, we commend the swift response of the governor to the matter. 

"We charge the Nigeria Police Force, The Nigerian Army, Amotekun and all other security agencies to synergise and rescue the kidnapped children and restore peace and stability to the state".

Those who signed the statement were: Amb. James Oluwasegun Bankole, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Hon. Famuyibo Oluwasegun, NYCN, Aare Adedara Temitope Moses, Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC), Ogbeni Olumide Fasuba, Ekiti Youth Arise, Rt. Hon. Tunde Olusanya, Ekiti Youth Parliament, Com. Owolewa Taiwo , National Association of Nigerian Students(NANS), Com. Asaolu Femi, Joint Negotiating Council(JCCC), Com. Abel Adewale, Federation of Ekiti State Students ' Union(FESSU) and Hon. Kolawole Ogundahuns, Renewed Team Ekiti.

Ondo Deputy Governor Adelami pledges ‘total loyalty’ to Aiyedatiwa.

Ondo Deputy Governor Adelami pledges ‘total loyalty’ to Aiyedatiwa.

Newly sworn in deputy governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olayide Adelami, has pledged total loyalty to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The deputy governor promised to use his wealth of experience in the public and private sectors for the transformation of the Sunshine State.

Adelami, who spoke after taking his oath of office, expressed confidence that a fresh lease of life had manifested across sectors of the states since Aiyedatiwa became governor.

The deputy governor urged leaders and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) across the state to cooperate with Aiyedatiwa to foster great collaboration and unalloyed unity for the development of the state.

He said: “Mr. Governor, my wealth of experience in both public and private sectors coupled with my connections nationally and internationally are available for you to explore for the wellbeing of our people.

“I’m here to join hands with Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa to serve you and ensure that lives are made more meaningful for you in all facets.”

Aiyedatiwa said last week’s dissolution of the State Executive Council (Exco) was done in good faith.

The governor said the decision was borne out of a genuine response to the yearnings and aspirations of the residents as well as the need to rejuvenate and reinvigorate his administration for maximum delivery on our mandate.

He stressed that there was a need to minimise unnecessary distractions usually associated with Exco members and other appointees in an election year.

“This is the standard practice in sane climes. It is important for government to be less encumbered by politicking and pave way for interested individuals to pursue their aspirations while simultaneously guaranteeing continued enjoyment of good governance to our people in the Sunshine State.

“We have a sacred duty to our people not to sacrifice good governance on the altar of individual through legitimate pursuit of political aspirations. We harbour neither ill-will nor animosity towards anyone,” Aiyedatiwa said.

The governor advised his deputy to handle his portfolio with deserved attention to sustain the current euphoria in the state.

Ogun hails Lafarge’s contributions to economy.

Ogun hails Lafarge’s contributions to economy.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has hailed Lafarge Africa PLC for its impact on industrial activities, providing valuable employment opportunities for residents and fostering skills development.

The governor praised the firm for its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, including investments in education, health care and community infrastructure with a view to enhancing the quality of life for Ogun State residents.

During a courtesy visit by the management team of Lafarge Al to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Abiodun thanked the firm for its positive contributions to the socio-economic development of the state.

Acknowledging the company’s longstanding commitment to the local economy, the governor emphasised the crucial role of collaboration with the private sector in addressing the challenges of sustainable economic growth and job creation.

Abiodun said the collaboration between Lafarge and the state government enhanced the resilience of the state during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that the firm demonstrated a strong commitment to the well-being of residents through the provision of equipped clinics for COVID-19 patients, medical supplies.

He assured the company of continued collaboration for the mutual benefit of stakeholders, saying his government was committed to attracting other multinational companies to the state.

Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge, Mr. Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, said the company’s commitment to sustainable development is based on four pillars- circular economy, climate and energy and people for its CSR interventions.

 According to him, the cement-manufacturing firm is part of the Holcim Group, one of the world’s leading building material giants dedicated to the sustainable development of every community and every country in which it operates.